But they couldn’t decide.
“How about an old one?” she offered. “Would you like to tryMiracle on 34thStreet?”
The kids were ready to try something new and Hailey soon lost herself in the beautiful old movie with the sweet message.
But all the hard work and fresh air must have worn the little ones out. By the time the front door opened, they were both sound asleep on the sofa.
“Hey,” she said softly, waving to Ransom.
His responding smile told her everything she needed to know about how things had gone with Jensen, but she slid out from under the kids, tucking a few throw pillows under their heads, and followed him into the kitchen.
“How was it?” she asked, watching him pace back and forth.
“It was… wild,” he said, stopping to turn to her. “I don’t know where to begin.”
“Was he surprised to see you?” she asked.
“You could say that,” he said, his eyebrows lifting. “And so was Willow.”
“Willow,”she echoed. “What was she doing there?”
He sighed and shook his head, running a hand through his dark hair before answering.
“I guess they’re together now,” he said. “Or at least, they want to be.”
“Did you know?” she asked. This was dangerous territory for sure. She remembered how protective Ransom had always been of his baby sister.
“No,” he said. “I mean, I knew she always had a crush on him, but I didn’t know they were back in touch now. Or that they were actually serious about each other.”
Hailey nodded, wondering how he had taken that information.
“I kind of freaked out at first,” he admitted. “And I still don’t really love the idea.”
Hailey nodded. That tracked.
“But I’m okay with it,” he said right away. “I have to be. And also… I know Jensen. I know he’ll be good to her.”
“You’ve come a long way, Ransom,” Hailey told him, meaning it.
“I have to do even better,” he said, his eyes so serious. “I can’t just do my best. I have to be an example to the kids. The stuff they were saying earlier…”
“I know,” she said softly. “But they’re still figuring stuff out, and it’s good that they’re learning from a father who can show them what it means to make a mistake and put things right, and show them that you’re a good man.”
“Do you really think I’m a good man?” he asked.
His dark eyes sank into her heart and she could still see the boy he had been, deep inside the man he wasnow. Both were passionate and goodhearted. But one had the benefit of experience.
She still loved them both.
“Of course I think you’re a good man,” she told him.
He nodded and then looked away, as if he had read her feelings in her eyes. She was ready to open her heart, but he clearly didn’t feel the same way.
“I… guess I should get back to my place,” she told him. “I’ve got some work to do.”
“Of course, yeah,” he told her. “Your power is back on. Lights were on at the big house when I passed. I meant to tell you.”
“That’s great,” she said. “I figured the power company might not get out until after the holiday.”
